NDP CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION OVER VISA REFUSAL FOR WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

MONTRÉAL — New Democrats are calling for immediate action from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship after visas were refused for more than 200 people participating in the World Social Forum that gets underway next week in Montreal.

“New Democrats are calling on Minister McCallum to grant the emergency meeting requested by the organizers of the World Social Forum to correct this unacceptable situation,” said NDP Immigration critic Jenny Kwan (Vancouver – East).

Among those refused the right to enter Canada are Mali’s former minister, Aminata Traoré, and the leader of a Brazilian labour body.

“We’ve worked with the organizers of the World Social Forum and we know that unions and international cooperation organizations have been diligent in sponsoring progressive participants and ensuring the success of this year’s WSF,” said NDP Quebec lieutenant Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie).

“The minister must intervene in this issue and meet with the organizers immediately,” said Boulerice. “He must show transparency on this issue.”